What if I were to tell you that there is a naturally occurring, non-greasy, skin-softening, and oil-balancing beauty ingredient with moisturizing properties that can work wonders for your oily skin?
I am talking about glycerin (yes, you read that right).
Often thought of as a holy grail for dry skin types, glycerin is equally, if not more, beneficial for naturally oily skin.
Using glycerin for oily skin helps to keep your skin hydrated without feeling greasy, keeps acne at bay, balances oil production, and prevents clogged pores.
If you are wondering: “Is glycerin good for oily skin?”, here is all that you need to know.
What Is Glycerin?
Glycerin, also called glycerine or glycerol, is a naturally occurring clear, odorless, and colorless liquid with a syrupy consistency.
It is often found in natural skin care products, cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical industries.
Glycerin is a mixture of sugar and alcohol, hence the name glycerol.
It comes in two forms: natural glycerine (plant and animal sources) and synthetic glycerin, of which the former, mainly vegetable glycerin, is most commonly used.
Glycerin is a humectant. Humectants are elements that draw moisture from the atmosphere to the outer layer of skin.
Glycerin has hydrating properties that fortify the skin’s protective barrier, which in turn boosts the wound healing process and skin health in general.
Glycerin also has exfoliating properties, which help remove dead skin cells and improve the skin texture and tone.
Other than that, glycerin has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which enable it to address issues like acne, blackheads, whiteheads, redness, and skin irritation, making it a great choice for acne-prone skin as well as oily skin types.
One more thing that makes glycerin stand out is that it does not clog pores, as it is non-comedogenic. Due to its ability to soothe irritated skin, it is a great natural product for sensitive skin and skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, or even temporary skin discomfort.
Glycerin is safe to be used in skin care routine1 for any skin type, be it dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, or even cracked skin.
It is best to use diluted glycerin for maximum benefits without the risk of irritation.
Also, glycerin can cause sun sensitivity so it is best to use it in the evening skincare routine or follow with a strong sunscreen if used in the morning routine.
Can You Use Glycerin For Oily Skin?
Yes, you can use glycerin for oily skin.
Let’s begin by debunking the myth that oily skin does not require moisture as it is, well, oily. Every skin type requires hydration, and oily skin is no different.
Glycerin hydrates skin and protects the skin barrier, which prevents environmental irritants from harming the skin and leading to acne, blackheads, and whiteheads.
Glycerin is a non-comedogenic beauty and skin care ingredient.
Since it does not clog pores, which is one of the biggest nuisances for oily skin, it reduces the possibility of bacteria and gunk accumulation in pores which in turn leads to acne breakouts2.
Secondly, the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory characteristics help in reducing inflammation, which is necessary for healthy skin and helps fight pimples.
Next, glycerin helps to shed dead skin cells due to its exfoliative nature, which removes dullness and reveals smooth skin.
Being a humectant, glycerin works to hydrate the skin without causing greasiness or making skin feel sticky.
Using glycerine for oily skin will keep the skin hydrated while balancing the skin’s natural hydration balance and avoid excess oil production.
Is Glycerin Good For Oily Acne Skin?
Yes, glycerin is good for acne-prone and oily skin. Glycerine hydrates skin, helps fight pimples due to antibacterial properties, does not clog your pores, and helps in treating skin irritation.
Benefits Of Glycerin For Oily Skin
The benefits of glycerin for oily skin are as follows:
- Promotes water-oil balance
Oily skin tends to get dehydrated, which signals the body to produce excess oil. Glycerin hydrates skin and balances excess sebum production.
- Keeps skin moisturized
According to a study3, glycerin can help retain moisture and increase skin hydration, which is necessary for optimal functioning.
- Hypoallergenic
Due to anti-inflammatory characteristics, glycerin reduces irritation, redness, and blemishes, making it perfect for acne-prone and oily skin types.
- Enhances skin texture
The benefits of glycerine include improved skin texture. Since glycerin keeps the skin hydrated and plump, it removes dull and rough patches and diminishes the signs of aging.
- Non-comedogenic
As glycerin is lightweight and oil-free, it does not cause clogged pores and even helps to remove dead cell debris to minimize the appearance of pores.
- Great for acne scars
Apart from fighting acne-causing bacteria, studies have proven that glycerin helps to lighten old scars and promote wound healing.
- Anti-aging
Glycerin benefits include its anti-aging effect. It reduces dark spots, age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.
- Improves uneven skin tone
The exfoliating properties of glycerin reveal smooth and soft skin with a healthy glow and radiant complexion.
Moreover, it helps to even out skin tone by reducing pigmentation and skin dullness. According to experts, glycerin can lighten dark spots on your skin!
How To Use Glycerin For Oily Skin?
For oily skin, glycerin can do wonders when used correctly. Here are some ways to use glycerin for oily skin:
1. Cleanser
Oily skin can tend to dry out after cleansing, as strong soaps can strip the skin’s natural oils. Using glycerin as a face cleanser helps remove dead cells and impurities while keeping the skin soft.
You can use glycerin soaps, or facewashes that include glycerin for cleansing your oily skin. Glycerin leaves the skin feeling clean, soft, and bright.
This is best for people who do not have time for a long skincare routine and want the most out of their skincare products.
2. Toner
Glycerin helps to keep oil production in check and balances the skin’s pH, without stripping the natural moisture.
You can use rose water to make a toning solution. Mix one and a half cups of rose water and one-fourth cup of glycerin in a glass spray bottle. Use it after washing your face.
3. Face Mist
Combine glycerin with rose water or distilled water and put it in a spray bottle to keep your skin hydrated and happy.
4. Acne Buster
This one is my favorite. Using glycerin as an acne buster works miracles for your skin, thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory characteristics.
It also heals acne scars, and unclogs your pores, reducing the chances of more pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads.
To fight pimples, mix a tablespoon of glycerin with a few drops of lemon juice or cucumber gel and apply on cleansed skin for 15-20 minutes. Wash off and follow with a good moisturizer.
5. Moisturizer
Being one of the best humectants out there (alongside hyaluronic acid), it locks hydration in the skin’s outer layer due to its moisturizing properties.
Some people believe oily skin might get clogged by glycerin, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Glycerin is non-comedogenic, and suitable as a skin moisturizer for everyone, including individuals with oily skin.
You can combine glycerin with lemon juice (1 cup glycerin, 2 tablespoons lemon juice) to use as a skin moisturizer.
You can even use it on its own to moisturize your skin after cleansing and toning. Just remember to use a small amount to avoid a tacky feeling.
6. Face Pack
Use glycerin as an anti-aging face pack or a hydration booster. Some amazing ingredients you can use are rose water, ripe banana, lemon juice, honey, or any ingredient of your liking.
For instance: Beat an egg, add a teaspoon each of honey and glycerin and you have at your hand an awesome anti-aging face pack. Wash with cold water after 20 minutes.
7. Skin Soother
Glycerin is known to soothe dry skin and sensitive skin, sure. But did you know it is equally great for oily skin? If you have inflamed skin, active acne, redness, or rash, use glycerin to calm your angry skin.
Just apply some diluted glycerin to your skin for 15 minutes and wash off, followed by a good moisturizer.
Other than that, you can use glycerin with beeswax, shea butter, or even coconut oil, but since the latter is comedogenic, it is best to use it sparingly.
8. Perfect For Winter
When the weather becomes chilly, your skin can be challenged by the dry winds. To make up for it, the skin kickstarts the production of natural oils, giving it a greasy look.
If you have oily skin, glycerin’s got your back to keep your skin safe from extreme dryness that can lead to irritation and excess oil.
As it forms a protective layer that adds hydration to the skin, you can enjoy the winter evenings without any worry.
9. For Healthy Skin
Glycerin helps boost the skin barrier and promotes healing, both of which are necessary for oily skin.
Apply glycerin on its own or combined with vitamin E or rose water.
10. To Reduce Blemishes
If you are looking to reduce blemishes, mix together a tablespoon of glycerin with a tablespoon of milk. Apply it with a cotton ball to your skin and wash it off after 10-15 minutes.
You will notice reduced blemishes with regular use.
11. Using Products Containing Glycerin
Ever wondered why glycerin is a part of multiple moisturizing skin care products?
Due to its versatile nature (anti-inflammatory, healing, and hydrating properties), glycerin is often used in cleansers, toners, lotions, creams, and other products that you can add to your skin care routine.
Using a pure glycerine soap will boost your skin hydration, promote healing, decrease acne breakouts, and even brighten the skin tone.
12. BONUS: For Chapped Lips
Another great benefit of glycerin is its ability to heal dry and chapped lips. Leave it overnight and wake up to luscious soft lips in the morning.
Safety Tips For Using Glycerin On Oily Skin
Although glycerin is safe for oily skin, it is best to use diluted glycerin to avoid any irritation to the skin.
Here are some safety precautions you should know to enjoy the maximum benefits of glycerin:
- Always perform a patch test before you use glycerine to rule out any allergic reaction.
- Use diluted glycerin instead of pure glycerin. You can use distilled water, rose water, or even Vitamin E to dilute it.
- Avoid mixing glycerin with thick, oily, or sticky lotions, as it will sit heavy on your skin.
- If you use glycerine products in low-humidity zones, you might end up with dehydrated skin. Humectants tend to draw moisture from the atmosphere as well as deep layers of skin to the outer layer, which may be lost due to low humidity.
- Avoid using pure glycerine for oily skin, in fact for all skin types.
- Remember, less is more. Use a little amount of the product, and you will see that a little goes a long way. Plus, you can always use extra if your skin asks for it.
- For oily skin, it is recommended to wash off glycerin after some time of application, instead of leaving it overnight.
- Glycerin can cause sun sensitivity, so it is advised to follow with sunscreen in the morning skincare routine or use it in the evening skincare routine altogether.
Glycerin & Oily Skin – FAQ
Here are some of the questions we got from our followers regarding glycerin and oily skin.
Should Oily Skin Use Glycerin?
Yes, why not? If you want a natural skincare ingredient that helps keep your skin hydrated without causing greasiness or clogging your pores, and gives you a youthful glow, you should definitely use glycerin for oily skin.
Is Glycerin Bad For Oily Acne-Prone Skin?
Not at all, glycerin is not bad for oily and acne prone skin.
Glycerin is non-comedogenic so it does not clog any pores. In fact, it even plays a role in regulating oil production, so the skin does not produce excess sebum.
Other than that, glycerin has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which means it fights acne-causing bacteria and reduces the chance of future breakouts.
Another benefit of glycerin is its ability to lighten acne scars, owing to its healing ability. Hence, glycerin is anything but bad for oily, acne-prone skin.
Is Glycerin Good For Dry Or Oily Skin?
Being a versatile skin care ingredient, glycerin is good for both dry skin as well as oily skin. As a matter of fact, glycerin is well-suited to every skin type.
The purpose of this article is informative and entertaining. It’s not a substitute for medical consultation or medical care. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Safety should be your priority.
Resources:
- https://journals.sagepub.com/
- https://puresense.co.in/
- https://www.tandfonline.com/
